γ-Cyclodextrin Metal-Organic Framework as a Carrier to Deliver Triptolide for the Treatment of Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Triptolide (TPL) has been employed to treat hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, the poor water-solubility of TPL restrict its applications. Therefore, we prepared TPL loaded cyclodextrin-based metal-organic framework (TPL@CD-MOF) to improve the solubility and bioavailability of TPL, thus enhancing the anti-tumor effect on HCC. The BET surface and the pore size of TPL@CD-MOF were 1134.5 m 2 ·g −1 and 1.6 nm, respectively. The results of XRD indicated that TPL in TPL@CD-MOF was encapsuled. TPL@CD-MOF showed a slower release than free TPL in vitro . Moreover, the CD-MOF improved the cell internalization and bioavailability of TPL. TPL@CD-MOF also showed higher anti-tumor efficacy in vitro and in vivo compared to free TPL. As a carrier, CD-MOF improved the solubility and bioavailability of TPL. In addition, TPL@CD-MOF exhibited improved anti-tumor effects in vitro and in vivo, indicating great potential as a carrier for insoluble anti-tumor drugs.